Suppressing feelings: Why it's dangerous & how to stop doing it

Have you ever had the feeling that you just have to "function" even though a storm is raging inside? Suppressing feelings often seems to be the easier solution in hectic everyday life. But in the long term, this strategy can be detrimental to your mental and physical health. In this article, you will find out why suppressing your emotions is dangerous, how you can find a healthy way of dealing with your feelings instead - and why true emotional freedom can be the key to a fulfilled life.

Why do we suppress our feelings at all?

Many of us learned early on that certain emotions are "undesirable". Anger, fear or sadness often do not fit into our image of success or strength. We therefore repress them - out of Fear of rejectionconflicts or loss of control.

Long-term consequences of suppressed feelings:

• Mental stress: Chronic repression can Anxiety disorders or depression (source: American Psychological Association).
• Physical complaints: Research shows that suppressed emotions can promote heart problems, stomach complaints or immune deficiencies.
• Relationship problems: Those who don't show their feelings often create distance instead of genuine closeness.

Suppressing feelings - what happens in your body?

If you push away an unpleasant feeling, your body reacts immediately: your stress level rises, your heart beats faster and cortisol is released. Your system remains on alert, even though there is no acute 'enemy'.

"Emotions are energy. If you suppress them, this energy builds up - and blocks your inner growth."

Christina Hommelsheim, Greator Life Coach Expert

In the long term, this condition can lead to chronic stress - with all the associated health risks.

Signs that you are suppressing your feelings

Perhaps you recognize yourself in one or more of these points:

Here is a small checklist:

• You often have the feeling that you have to "function", no matter what is going on inside you.
• You prefer to avoid conflicts instead of expressing your opinion.
• You cover up sadness, anger or disappointment with "It's all good!"
• You often feel Empty inside or cut off.
• Physical symptoms such as tension headaches or stomach problems accompany you regularly.

Tip: Take time once a day for an honest emotional check-in - just for yourself.

Allowing feelings - why courage is the key

Many people believe that admitting their emotions makes them "weak". But the opposite is true: it requires courage and inner strengthto be honest with yourself.

This happens when you consciously allow feelings:

• Your self-esteem increases, because you take yourself seriously.
• Your stress level drops, as the body is no longer in a state of alert.
• Your relationships deepen, because real closeness is created.

Long-term profit: Emotional freedom! And thus a self-determined life full of genuine connection - to yourself and to others.

5 practical ways to process your feelings better

We often know that we shouldn't suppress our emotions - but how do we really put this into practice in everyday life?

Before we start with the list: It's not about acting out every feeling or hurting others. It's about expressing feelings recognize, to accept and to decide consciouslyhow you deal with it.

• Keep a feelings diary: Write down what you feel and what thoughts are associated with it every day.
• Learn breathing techniques: Simple breathing exercises help to avoid reflexively pushing feelings away.
• Meditation: Guided meditations in particular, as in our Greator Meditation Challengehelp you to be mindful of your emotions.
• Physical exercise: Emotions are energy - dance, run or shake them off.
• Authentic conversations: Find an environment where you can talk openly about your feelings.

We have a wonderful meditation for you in this video. In it, Greator Life Coach instructor Walter Hommelsheim takes you on a little journey in which you can Body symptoms and discover emotions.

What science says about emotional freedom

Studies show that people who learn to consciously perceive and integrate their emotions suffer less from stress symptoms and experience a higher level of satisfaction. Emotional intelligence is now regarded as a decisive factor for personal and professional fulfillment.

This is also where coaching at Greator comes in: our coaches support people in releasing old emotional blockages and authentically going their own way - step by step.

Conclusion - Feelings are your source of strength

Suppressing your feelings may seem like a relief in the short term - but in the long term, you are depriving yourself of the chance to really get to know yourself and develop your full potential.

Your next step:
If you want to learn to lovingly accept your feelings and discover your emotional freedom, start your journey now with the free Greator Meditation Challenge. She will gently support you in rediscovering your inner world - at your own pace, on your own path.